The posts include almost 15,000 permanent jobs, 11,000 apprenticeships and over 5,000 paid university work placements, said the British Hospitality Association (BHA).

Employment minister Mark Hoban said: "The collaboration between Jobcentre Plus and the British Hospitality Association has been extremely successful, and it's fantastic to see the industry come together today with a further pledge to create 30,000 opportunities for young people.

"The hospitality industry provides a diverse range of career prospects for people of all ages, but particularly for young people who are starting out and still exploring what career path they would like to take. I'd encourage young people to seize these opportunities."

Angela Brav, chief executive in Europe of hotel chain IHG, said: "Following the Olympics, we have a unique opportunity to build on this success and to keep showing the world just how innovative and ambitious we are. Equipping people with the skills to work in our industry is hugely important and vital if we are to fulfil this potential.

"We are delighted to contribute to the BHA's jobs pledge, by offering 400 apprenticeships in our 66 managed hotels over the next three years. Our industry is brought to life by people, let's work together to invest in them and in turn, our future."

Members of the Unite union will stage a demonstration outside a summit in London today on hospitality and tourism, urging firms in the industry to pay the so-called living wage which is at least £1 an hour more than the national minimum wage.

Regional officer Dave Turnbull said: "The hotel and tourism industries are major economic drivers, yet those that ensure the bedrooms are clean and that foreign tourists have a good impression of Britain are paid barely enough to survive."